Themes - Hawaiian Reception

Laurie and Eric married in January 2008 in Hawaii with about 25 or 30 close family and friends attending. They decided to throw a Sacramento reception for about 150 guests, the month following. They love great wine, fabulous food, travel and they especially enjoyed snorkeling. Laurie and Eric wanted to bring back some of the Hawaiian feel to Sacramento, so a wonderful tropical experience was created in the middle of downtown Sacramento at the Sterling Hotel. February 2008

Walls were uplighted in blues and a moving water pattern on the ceiling made it feel like everyone was “under the sea.” Guest tables were covered in an iridescent green/blue table linen, and the head table, positioned in the center of the room, was covered in a shimmery ivory linen.

The flowers were outstanding! The use of tall trumpet vases filled with crystal gel and fuchsia LED lights were topped with large monstera leaves, white orchids (with hanging clear crystals) and the bottom of the vase held a perfect fuchsia catelaya orchid. The stacked wedding cake was beautifully decorated with more orchids and sat atop a glass pedestal with floating orchids and white LEDs. Icing seashells encircled the layers; they were the same design as the wedding invitations. White sand, seashells and candles adorned all tables. Fresh leis were worn by the guests (flown in from the islands).

The buffet was a feast that included a whole roasted pig (this was the one main wish of Eric), and also teriyaki grilled chicken, fresh stir-fry vegetables, jumbo prawns, tropical rice pilaf, and even Chinese chicken salad served in “take-out boxes” with chopsticks!

A continuous playing loop of their wedding photos displayed on a flat-screen monitor, so everybody could see how beautiful their Hawaiian wedding was on the beaches of Oahu. Because the couple is into music and wanted a “rockin’ party,” the evening started off with a Polynesian drum group and two Tahitian dancers who thrilled the guests with several dances. The evening ended with a packed dance floor as guests were entertained by a 10 piece rock band. Laurie and Eric said their Hawaiian wedding was beautiful, but their Sacramento “Hawaiian” reception was the most fun they’ve ever had.

Coordinator: Lora Ward, A Day to Remember
Reception Photography: Sam Wood, Sharpe Photographers
Reception Videography; Phill Sheffield, Sheffield Multimedia
DJ/MC: Doug LaVine, Music on the Move
Flowers: Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas, Flourish
Band: Bust-A-Groove
Hawaiian Drummers & Dancers: Hula Halau 'O Ka 'Ano 'l Pua
Cake: Ettores
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Lighting: Sacramento Theatrical Lighting
Invitations: Pfeiffer Event Planning